This is a forum for my observations about a variety of human resources topics and to discuss and question current human resources practices. I want to keep the good things about HR and dump the things that stink. I am sometimes controversial, sometimes humorous, and always educational.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Is Lack of Training Going to Cost Your Company?

The Wall Street Journal Online today had a report on the Buffalo crash of the Colgan commuter plane that killed 50 people. The article, "Captain's Training Faulted In Air Crash That Killed 50" , indicated the pilot had been poorly trained, had failed many tests, yet the company put him back in the air. A very costly mistake. You would not think that companies would do this, yet it probably happens more often than we think.

In fact most companies make this mistake. We put supervisors and managers in positions of responsibility often with little or no training. Few have training in employment law, or labor law, or safety law, or proper interviewing or how to conduct a legal termination. We let them rely on their HR "co-pilot" to keep them out of trouble. Well that is a big mistake. They need to have a much better understanding of their duties and responsibilities in case HR is not around. Sometimes HR cannot correct a mistake that could have been prevented.

So train your supervisor and managers. Although the mistakes they make may not cost lifes they will cost money and time and possibly livelihoods. Ongoing training will often prevent a "crash and burn" incident.

BTW, the co-pilot in this deadly crash was sick and should not have been at work. Another reason to enforce rules about staying home when you cannot perform, e.g., when you have the flu.

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About Mike Haberman The "HR Compliance Guy"

I have been in human resources for over 25 years, both as a practitioner and consultant. I am known as "THE HR COMPLIANCE GUY". I am a cofounder of Omega HR Solutions, Inc., an HR and Benefits consulting firm which works primarily with small and midsize businesses. Our website is www.omegahrsolutions.com Additionally, I am an instructor at Kennesaw State University College of Continuing Education, as well as University of Georgia and Emory University, teaching human resources management. I am available for consulting assignments, training classes on HR for Supervisors and Behavioral Interviewing; and speaking engagements on a varity of topics including, HR Fundamentals for Small Businesses, Networking for HR Professionals, Use of Social Media in HR and Strategic Alignment for HR.

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